Visit the Lindt & Spruengli chocolate factory, open Wednesday–Friday (Seestrasse 204, Tel: 716 2233). Unfortunately, you can’t see the chocolate-making process, due to hygiene reasons, but you can watch a film on the history of Swiss chocolate-making and try out different flavours and varieties. On your way out, pick up a free box of chocolates and head to the chocolate shop downstairs where there are Lindt chocolates at discounted prices. To get there, take bus number 163 from Buerkliplatz to Schooren or trains S1 or S8 to Kilchberg.
Animal lovers will enjoy the recent attraction at Zurich Zoo (Zürichbergstrasse 221, Tel: 254 2533, www.masoala.ch). The Masoala rain forest is an indoor ecosystem that brings a piece of Madagascar to the Alps, including lemurs. Or for plant lovers, there’s the Botanical Garden (University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, Tel: 634 8461, www. bguz.unizh.ch). Take tram 2, 4, 11 or bus 31. The garden is open from March to September, Monday–Friday 7am–7pm, and Saturday–Sunday 8am–6pm; and October to February, Monday–Friday 8am–6pm, Saturday–Sunday 8am–5pm.
The Chinese Garden is another one for nature lovers and bird watchers (Bellerivestrasse, Tel: 435 2111, www.chinagarten.ch). Get there by tram 2 or 4, or bus numbers 912 and 916. Entrance: CHF4.
There are plenty of museums in Zurich, with exhibits ranging from modern design to centuries-old art, architecture, and local interest, like the watch museum. You can pick up information on all the museums in Zurich at the tourist information centre at the main station.
A great place to visit for coffee enthusiasts is the Johann Jacob’s Coffee Museum at Seefeld Quai 17, Tel: 388 6151. It is open from 2pm-5pm Friday and Saturday; 10am-5pm Sunday. MuseeSuisse, the Swiss National Museum, housed in a castle-like building is worth a look. For those interested in prehistoric times and the Middle Ages, this museum brings forth many an interesting fact, for example, revealing how ancient wheels were first found in Zurich. (Museum-strasse 2, Tel: 218 6511, www.museesuisse.ch). Opening hours: 10am-5pm; Tuesday-Sunday if you’re in the mood for a bit of a trek, you could walk up Uetlibergfrom Triemli or take a train and get off a stop or two before the final destination to trek your way up. Have a coffee or a meal at the hotel on top of the mountain and refresh your senses with another easy trek downhill.
While strolling through the city of Zurich, don’t miss the 13th-century Fraumunster Church, known for its distinctive stained-glass windows (created later in 1970) and St. Peter’s Church with the largest clock face in Europe measuring 8.7m in diameter.
Excursions
Zurich and Environs For a glimpse of the city’s natural and cultural highlights, this four-hour guided tour in English, German or Spanish starts at 1pm each day. It includes a journey through the Old Town of Zurich with a guide who gives detailed descriptions and explains the historic significance of each place. This is followed by a cable car ride to Felsenegg, from where you can enjoy a view of the city, the lake and the Alps beyond.
Ferry ride A trip across the Lake will give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the pristine beauty of the city. Tours are organised by Best of Switzerland Tours, cost CHF45, last approximately 4 hours, and depart daily at 1pm.
Combo tour A two-hour city tour in the classic trolley followed by a train ride to the Uetliberg is an enjoyable way to spend the day. Don’t miss out on the view from the viewing tower at Uetliberg Kulm.
The tour costs CHF40, lasts four hours, and there are departures at 9am and 2pm.
Both the above tours should be booked in advance (044 215 4000, Email: information@zeurich.com). Meet at Sihlquai bus stop, 10 minutes before departure.
Stroll through the Old Town Organised by Zurich Tourism, this is a fascinating guided walk that even the locals love. If you don’t have much time in Zurich and want to see it all and know it all, this walk is a good bet. It costs CHF20, lasts two hours, and departs at 3pm Monday-Friday; 11pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sundays (April to October); and 11am on Wednesday and Saturday (November to April). Simply turn up at the tourist service at the main station.